Trinidad Garza Early College High School
2015-2016 Precalculus Syllabus
Mr. Smith, Instructor
Location: W59 – first room on the right in the Math Wing
School Phone: (214)860-3680
Email:
travsmith@dallasisd.org
Tutoring: Wednesday 4:00-4:45 (also by appointment, or as assigned by me)
Course Prerequisite: Algebra II
Course Description:
Precalculus is a course that expands on the topics of Algebra I and II, thoroughly
explores trigonometry, and provides an introduction to topics presented in Calculus.
Topics include: (1) functions and graphs; (2) polynomial, power, and rational
functions; (3) exponential, logistic, and logarithmic functions; (4) trigonometric
functions, applications, and analytical trigonometry; (5) 2D/3D analytical geometry;
(6) an introduction to calculus(limits, derivatives, and integrals).
Required Materials:
Textbook: McGraw-Hill TEKS Texas Precalculus
The student is responsible for the proper care of the assigned textbook. There will
be ROUTINE BOOK CHECKS. If the student damages or loses the book during the
year, he/she is responsible for replacing the book at a cost of $80.
Supply list:
Composition Books/Spirals(x2)
Notebook Paper/Graph Paper
Kleenex and Hand Sanitizer
Pencils/Erasers
Grading Pen
Colored Pencils
3-Ring Binder
AAA batteries(x8)
Calculators:
It is STRONGLY recommended that you purchase your own TI-83/TI-84 calculator for
personal use – especially if you are a junior that will take AP-Calculus I or Statistics next
year. There will be a set of calculators for use in class, and the free “Wabbitemu” app is
available for download on Android phones and tablets. If you cannot afford one, you’ll be
assigned a TI-83 or TI-84 Plus graphing calculator. Proper care must be taken throughout
the year to ensure that the assigned calculator is returned in the condition in which it was
received. If the student damages or loses the calculator, he/she is responsible for
replacing the calculator at a cost of $150.00.
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Course Objectives/Learning Outcomes:
Students are expected to demonstrate mastery of the following objectives:
Objective 1: Functions and Graphs
Objective 2: Polynomial, Power, and Rational Functions
Objective 3: Exponential, Logistic, and Logarithmic Functions
Objective 4: Trigonometric Functions
Objective 5: Analytic Trigonometry
Objective 6: Applications of Trigonometry
Objective 8: Analytic Geometry in Two and Three Dimensions
Objective 10: Introduction to Calculus: Limits, Derivatives, and Integrals
Classroom Expectations
The following rules of behavior are expected for success in Precalculus:
- Be in your seat ON TIME with all necessary supplies.
-Use appropriate language and demonstrate appropriate behavior at all times – no
profanity, name calling, outbursts, and negative commentary (including yourself).
-Only one person speaks at a time. Raise your hand and wait to be addressed.
-Keep your hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
-Follow all school and district policies (no food, drink, cell phones, music players, follow
dress code, etc).
Some Consequences
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Corrective Warning
Student/teacher conference
Contact parent
Parent/teacher conference
Office referral
Student Core Beliefs
1. “My future success depends on working hard today.”
2. “I have high expectations for myself, my classmates, and my school.”
3. “I aim for excellence even when it’s difficult."
Academic Integrity:
I will use my own thoughts and my own words. I will do my own work to support my
own learning. This means: NO CHEATING. NO COPYING. NO STEALING. NO
PLAGIARISM. NO REPRESENTING SOMEONE ELSE’S WORK AS MY OWN.
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Cell phones:
Cell phones must remain off during class and during tutoring sessions. If cell
phones are visible and/or heard throughout the regular school day, they will be
collected and taken to the office. Refer to student handbook for specifics.
Procedures/Activities:
When you enter the class:
 You should sit in your assigned seat
 Get out your pencil and MathSpace.
 Put your homework on your desk.
During Class:
 Participate in class discussion and collaborative groupwork.
 Pay attention to examples and take notes in MathSpace.
 Complete all assignments (Ask questions – Come to Tutoring!!)
Throughout the school year:
 Tests will be given at the end of each module.
 Quizzes may be given at any time.
 Always keep your MathSpace and notebooks in order! They are checked at random!
Grading Policy/Scale:
You will be graded based on: 1) your knowledge in Precalculus from class activities
and independent practice, 2) your ability to think critically, to speak and write
clearly, and to construct an argument based on evidence. Students will receive a
progress report to be SIGNED BY A PARENT/GUARDIAN after the third week of
the six weeks.
Percentage Breakdown:
Tests
25%
Classwork & Homework
40%
Projects
20%
Six Weeks Exam
15%
(90-100 is an A, 80-89 is a B, 70-79 is a C and a grade of 69 or below is failing)
Evaluation Procedure:
Classwork: will consist of collaborative group activities, independent practice, QUIZZES
and more. Students are expected to be active participants in the learning community at all
times. Failure to do so will result in an unsatisfactory grade as well as getting behind.
Homework: Homework will be issued on a regular basis. It will be listed on the board or
passed out. I will detail how homework and homework quizzes will work in a separate
addendum to be passed out during the first week.
Tests: A minimum of two tests will be given each six-weeks. All tests will be cumulative.
Projects: MathSpaces and individual/group projects may be assigned during the six-weeks.
Six Weeks Exam: There will be a cumulative six weeks exam at the end of each six weeks.
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MathSpace with MathTweets:
Each student will be required to keep a MathSpace, which is a composition notebook
that will encompass all information from your math class. You will take notes, do
warm-ups, show examples, write explanations and much more in your MathSpace.
MathSpace is a reference that you will use both in and out of class (i.e. during
homework to refer to class examples). When a student is absent it is his/her
responsibility to get notes from a classmate, as he/she will be held accountable for
all material from the class. At the bottom of every page, four lines will be left
blank for MathTweets. MathTweets are a reflection written by the student at the
bottom of each page and will include no more than 140 characters. Correct grammar
and punctuation, and neat handwriting are required.
Tutoring:
Tutoring is strongly advised for everyone, and it is mandatory for failing students
(checked every 3 weeks). Students will earn extra credit for attending tutoring
from 4:00-4:45, therefore it is the student’s responsibility to sign in. They must
stay the full time to receive extra credit. No extra credit is given for make-up
work. Students must be on task.
Attendance Policy:
Students are expected to attend class daily. In the event that an absence occurs
due to an illness or family emergency, students will be responsible for obtaining
missed MathSpace notes/work, formal assignments, and/or exams. If you are
absent on the day an assignment is due, you are expected to turn in the completed
assignment on the day of your return. Please note that under no other
circumstances will late work be accepted without penalty.
Late Work Policy:
Late assignments must be turned in no more than THREE days after the due date,
even if the student does not have the class on those days. Late work will
receive 60% of the grade earned. After three days, a student may complete a
missed assignment at the discretion of the teacher and under her supervision.
Make-up work and re-test:
If you are absent, you have 5 school days to complete missed classwork/homework
assignments as well as tests/quizzes. If the student fails to make up the missed
assignment, no credit shall be given and the deficiency will be averaged with other
grades. Consult with classmates, the teacher, or refer to the course syllabus for
missed assignments. If you fail a test, you have the opportunity to retake the test
after school on a day determined by the teacher for a grade no higher than a 70.
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Student Name: ________________________
I.D. #: _______________________________
Syllabus Letter of Confirmation
Student Response:
_______
I have read and understand the information presented to me in the
Precalculus syllabus.
Parent Response:
_______
I have read and understand the information presented to me in the
Precalculus syllabus.
(Please mark an X on the line provided to indicate confirmation)
Student’s Signature:___________________________________________
Email:____________________________
Date: _____________________________
Parent’s Signature: ____________________________________________
Date: _____________________________
Home #: __________________________
Work #: ___________________________
Email _____________________________
Emergency contact person:__________________________________
Teacher Signature
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